Year-End Spiritual Spring Cleaning

As we transition into the new year, it is perhaps timely for us to take stock and do some spring cleaning of our hearts.

For in Hebrews 12:1-2, we are admonished to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher [perfecter] of our faith“.

However, as the late Derek Prince noted, “it is not sufficient that we deal with things in our lives that are actually sinful. We must also eliminate weights—things that are not sinful in themselves, but yet would hinder us from concentrating every effort on our service for Christ.”

“A runner in a race strips down to the bare minimum. He does not carry one ounce of unnecessary weight. We must do the same. Here are some of the things that we may need to eliminate: social obligations that have no spiritual significance – sentimental attachments to people, places or pets – excessive concern with the stock market, sports or women’s fashions –window shopping – worries about money, health, family or politics.”

“Concerning each thing to which we devote time and attention, we need to ask two questions.Does it glorify Jesus? Does it build me up spiritually?”